Richardson, John

Composer

b Preston, Lancs 1816, d Preston 1879. An alto singer who at the age of 13 joined the St Nicholas RC church choir in Liverpool. Apprenticed as a painter and decorator, he completed his training but at the age of 20 turned to music full-time. He returned to the Liverpool church and was its organist for the next 20 years. Taking a full part in church life of the city, he trained several other musicians and composed much sacred and secular music. His wife and two children died in an epidemic of scarlatina (scarlet fever) and by 1860 his own health had broken down. He took an early retirement back in Preston. Nos.505*, 593.